Plainview-Old Bethpage Youth Activities Council, which oversees the Reflection Counseling Center, installed three new board members on Thursday, Jan. 10. Board members John R. Heckmann, Elliot Krakauer and Jean Cintron were installed and join board president Steven Lesetz, vice president Joan Hayden, secretary Marjorie Navidi, treasurer Alvin Delman and board members Rev. John Meyer, Eleanor Pearson and Renee Lesetz on the board of directors.

Reflection Counseling Center is a not-for-profit community based counseling agency serving Plainview-Old Bethpage and surrounding areas since 1979. It is licensed by New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services and funding is received from a variety of sources, including private donations.

The board of directors, which was installed by Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), oversees the operations of the agency and is responsible for fund raising. Board members are involved on a volunteer basis.

The agency is comprised of two components: Prevention and Drug Treatment. The Prevention Program accepts individuals and families who experience a myriad of concerns such as marital issues, depression and adolescent issues.

The Drug Treatment Program's population consists of those struggling with recovery from chemical dependency. A Chemical Dependency Group Program and acupuncture detoxification is available as well. This group program addresses recovery and relapse prevention concerns as well as bringing structure counsel to individuals who have legal involvement due to driving while under the influence of chemicals.

Also offered is a woman's group to specifically address those issues unique to women in recovery. In addition to the chemical dependency programs for adults, a program for adolescents and a program for young adults struggling with chemical use has been designed for this younger population. A Parents Group is offered to those parents who are coping with the many difficulties associated with their child's chemical involvement. The Eating Disorders Program incorporates individual and group counseling and acupuncture to help those suffering from this specific issue.

At present, the agency, in cooperation with the local Police on Patrol (POP) Unit and the High School Attendance Officer, sponsors a free recreation evening once a week for those students exhibiting behavioral problems in school but have not been involved in difficulties that week. In addition, a staff member leads a young children's socialization skills group one afternoon a week at the Oyster Bay Boys and Girls Club.

Linda Eisenberg, executive director, is responsible for running the administrative operations of the agency. She started at the agency as a student in 1984. After graduating, she was offered a therapist position, which she accepted. She was promoted first to assistant director and then in 1995 took over as executive director. " Our mission is to offer help to those in need," she said.

The Counseling Center is staffed by professionals in the fields of social work, mental health counseling, psychology, alcoholism and substance abuse. Their goal is to identify, diagnose and to help clients deal effectively with increased stress in today's society.

Please call 822-5071 for more information about Reflections Counseling Center, which is located at 777 Old Country Road, suite 2-E in Plainview.